In 2024, the world will commemorate a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of the inaugural international football tournament, which took place at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. To honour this event, the General Assembly, on May 7, 2024, adopted Resolution A/RES/78/281, designating May 25 as World Football Day. This resolution highlights football’s global impact across various spheres, such as commerce and diplomacy, while fostering cooperation among nations.
The resolution emphasises the crucial role of FIFA and national federations in promoting football worldwide. It encourages countries to leverage sports, particularly football, as a tool to foster peace and encourage the empowerment of women and girls. Additionally, it calls for the adoption of policies that advocate for sports and physical activities, recognising their potential to unite communities and support development.
The UN invites member states, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector to commemorate World Football Day according to national priorities. This includes promoting football’s benefits through educational and awareness initiatives. The guidelines for branding and visibility related to World Football Day can be accessed through official channels, ensuring a cohesive global recognition.
Launched in 2022, the “Football for the Goals” initiative seeks to engage stakeholders in harnessing football’s global reach to promote sustainability, equality, and human rights, all while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through the sport. Moreover, stories from places like Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp reveal football as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young refugees, transcending their daily challenges.
Football’s transformative power in promoting peace and inclusion is unparalleled. It serves as a universal language that breaks down cultural barriers and fosters community spirit across all demographics. The sport also plays a vital role in advocating for health, well-being, and the empowerment of women both on and off the field, providing an inclusive environment for all.
Footing the stage with profound reflections, notable figures in football have shared inspiring thoughts. “I have benefited first hand from the power of sports to lead a healthy life…” – Didier Drogba. “Football unites the world…” – Marta Vieira da Silva. These sentiments shed light on how football’s essence encompasses unity, determination, and hope, affirming its integral role in cultural and social development.
In 2024, the United Nations will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament, designating May 25 as World Football Day through Resolution A/RES/78/281. This day highlights football’s positive impact on global cooperation, peace, and development. The resolution encourages nations to leverage sports for empowerment and social inclusion, promoting initiatives like “Football for the Goals” aimed at advancing sustainability and equality. Notable football figures share inspiring reflections on the sport’s unifying power.
The proclamation of May 25 as World Football Day marks a significant celebration of football’s legacy and its power to foster peace, unity, and inclusion across the globe. As nations gear up to recognise this day, the emphasis on football’s role in empowering women and girls, promoting health, and supporting sustainability, demonstrates the sport’s profound influence. Initiatives like “Football for the Goals” aim to channel the sport’s incredible reach towards achieving broader global objectives, reinforcing its status as a universal language of hope and connection.
Original Source: www.un.org
